Northern Coast, California
The Northern California coast stretching through Humboldt and Del Norte Counties is an outdoor lover's dream-come-true. The rugged terrain roams along mostly undeveloped stretches of highway while far below, pocket beaches and hidden coves beg exploration. Anglers will revel in the waters teeming with fish-salmon and steelhead-as well as crabs, clams, and abalone. The beaches are great for incredible views and catching some Pacific rays. Get back to nature by hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding in the many state parks and preserves that dot the coastline.Eel River Country includes the scenic towns of Redway, Garberville, and Eureka. The Eel River flows through canyons and redwood forests on its way to the Pacific Ocean just south of Eureka. Salmon and steelhead fishing is popular along the Eel River. River adventures range from whitewater rafting to guided tours through the Eel River Estuary.
Redway is also the gateway to California's "Lost Coast", so named because the area is difficult to access by land and sea. Highway 1 turns inland between Shelter Cove and Petrolia due to the steep and rocky terrain. The Eel and Mattole Rivers wind through the area, with access to the spectacular Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
The towns of Eureka and Ferndale boast thousands of ornate Victorian homes. Eureka is one of the best small art towns in America, due to the thousands of artists in Humboldt County. Visitors to Ferndale enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, art galleries, antique stores, live theater, plus working blacksmith and saddle shops.
Trinidad is a picturesque coastal town with an extensive trail system for hikes along the beach to Trinity Head, which has panoramic coastal views. Beachcombers will love gathering the driftwood and moonstones at Trinidad State Beach, and hearty surfers will want to try the waves at Luffenholtz Beach. The region is known for its salmon fishing.
Cresent City, located on the far Northern California coast in Del Norte County, derives its name from the crescent-shaped beach bordering the harbor. The town offers close proximity to the rugged Pacific coastline, the Smith River, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Redwood National and State Parks. The Smith River, California's largest wild river system, offers thrilling whitewater adventure.
The Redwood National and State Parks comprise 45 percent of the old-growth redwood forests in California, with 37 miles of pristine Pacific coastline. Five visitor centers will help you plan scenic drives through soaring redwood groves, beach hikes to tidal pools, river bottom hikes through canopied forests, and the Fern Canyon hike with 30-foot walls of ferns. Watch for gray whales in season from Pacific overlooks, or view Roosevelt elk from prairie overlooks.
The Northern Coast of California offers something for everyone. Rounding every new turn will bring gasps of delight from sightseers. Beach lovers have their choice of easily accessible, expansive, populated beaches, or small, hidden, pocket beaches that require a bit of discovering. Shoppers will revel in seaside antique shops and artist galleries. Hikers can explore trails that lead through redwoods, or empty out at the ocean. However you want to spend your California vacation, the Northern Coast is an accommodating host!
